J
Jon E.
Guide
GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Tents or small truck camper only
Small pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
Best Campgrounds near Pine City, MN
The St. Croix River valley shapes the camping landscape around Pine City, Minnesota, with options ranging from developed state parks to rustic river sites. Snake River County Park Campground sits directly in Pine City, offering basic amenities for tent and RV campers from May through November. Within a 30-minute drive, Wild River State Park provides year-round camping with boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access, while Pokegama Lake RV Park combines camping with golf course access from May to October. The region also includes several state forest campgrounds and dispersed sites along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which forms the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, creating a diverse mix of public and private camping opportunities.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this area. Summer weekends often require reservations weeks in advance, particularly at popular state parks like Banning State Park, located about 30 minutes north of Pine City. As one camper noted, "We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive-in campsite over Labor Day weekend. The park was great, but we booked late and it was one of only two sites left." Spring and fall typically offer more availability and fewer insects, though temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Cell service varies widely throughout the region, with many forest and riverside sites having minimal coverage. Winter camping is available at select locations like Wild River State Park, but requires proper cold-weather gear and often four-wheel drive for access.
River access represents a defining feature of many campgrounds in the area. The St. Croix and its tributaries provide opportunities for paddling, fishing, and swimming, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. According to one visitor at Banning State Park, "This is a beautiful state park along the Kettle River, famous for its rock formations, the whitewater Kettle River, and beautiful oak-ash forests." Wildlife viewing is common, with white-tailed deer, various bird species, and occasional wolf sightings reported by campers. Insect activity can be intense during summer months, with mosquitoes, ticks, and poison ivy presenting challenges, especially in lowland areas. Campers frequently mention the privacy of sites varies significantly, with state park campgrounds generally offering more buffer space between sites than private RV parks.
Best Camping Sites Near Pine City, Minnesota (166)
1. Wild River State Park Campground
45 ReviewsTaylors Falls, MN23 milesWebsite+1 (651) 583-2125$23 - $90 / night
"Stayed for two nights at a drive-in double site here and found it ideal for autumn camping."
"We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."
2. Banning State Park Campground
34 ReviewsSandstone, MN23 milesWebsite+1 (320) 245-2668$24 - $80 / night
"Bawning park is a walk through the history of the area the self guided tour is both informative and entertaining and the hike along the river is one to remember featuring the only class 5 rapids in Minnesota"
"There are miles of trails to hike, including along the river and to a waterfall, all kinds of paddling and rafting possibilities(bring your own, or join a trip sponsored by a local outfitter), or go bouldering"
3. The Jubilee Homestead
8 ReviewsCambridge, MN13 milesWebsite+1 (320) 515-0557$35 - $100 / night
"We decided to try out our new tow vehicle by going somewhere close to home. We found Jubilee and we’re we pleasantly surprised! We happened to be the only one there that weekend late in the summer."
"In the morning, we walked around briefly to say hello to the goats and chickens and to pick a few apples."
4. Snake River County Park Campground
5 ReviewsGrantsburg, WI9 milesWebsite+1 (651) 583-2125$17 / night
"Just a mile or so walk to the Saint Croix River. Camp grounds have restrooms, water (have to boil or purify it) Camp ground manager comes around and has firewood for sale."
"State Forest Campground with some sites close to the shoreline of the Snake River. Firewood can be gathered from the forest. It's a nice small campground, first come first served."
5. Grand Casino RV Resort
6 ReviewsHinckley, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (800) 468-3517"We booked our stay at the RV Resort so we wouldn't have to drive two and a half hours back and forth during the two day Grand RockTember Music Festival."
"Adjacent to a large casino with hotels and restaurants. Less than two miles from I35. Best thing is that when we arrived at our spot, there was a tree that needed trimming."
6. Pokegama Lake RV Park And Golf
2 ReviewsPine City, MN4 milesWebsite+1 (320) 629-6552"They have golf, a pool, lake nearby, and seasonal camping."
7. St. Croix Family Campground — Governor Knowles State Forest
3 ReviewsGrantsburg, WI10 milesWebsite+1 (888) 936-7463"This was a very fun trip for us because there was almost nobody else at the campsite that day, there are lots of trails to explore (some down by the river), and the fire watch tower added a little something"
8. Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
3 ReviewsGrantsburg, WI10 milesWebsite+1 (715) 483-2274"You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail."
"Good location"
9. County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
3 ReviewsHarris, MN12 milesWebsite+1 (715) 483-2274"We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect!"
10. Old Railroad Bridge
1 ReviewHarris, MN10 miles+1 (715) 483-2274
Recent Camping Photos near Pine City, MN
179 Photos of 166 Pine City Campgrounds
Jeff S.
Snake River County Park Campground
Emily
Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Corinna Y.
Old Railroad Bridge
Deb M.
Grand Casino RV Resort
Esther R.
The Jubilee Homestead
Tony J.
Old Logging Trail Campground — St. Croix State Park
Lily M.
Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park
Mike P.
Riverview Campground — St. Croix State Park
Lindsey H.
Robinson Park Camping
Laura P.
Boulder Woods RV Park
Joanna B.
Banning State Park Campground
Jeff L.
Wild River State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Pine City, MN
531 Reviews of 166 Pine City Campgrounds
Jay W.
LegendInterstate Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Great park, plenty around the area...BUT THE NOISE!!!
Interstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
T S.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Loved it!
Nice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Greg M.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good spot for a night
Got in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
DIANNE T.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Girl on first car camping trip
Kind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
Corinna Y.
TravelerOld Railroad Bridge
Great little getaway spot for winter camping!
We stayed here with a group of hot tent campers in early January. The site is large and had a couple of fire pits. Includes a few picnic tables, and a pit toilet. It's a beautiful open area not far from the parking lot with a gorgeous view of the St. Croix River.
CindyTravelerAvatan Family Nudist Campground
"Family-Friendly" in Name Only: A Cautionary Tale from a Disillusioned Par
We visited Avatan Nudist Campground last July with our two kids (ages 8 and 11) for what was supposed to be a wholesome, body-positive family getaway. The website and brochures paint a perfect picture: serene woods, a sparkling pool, family activities, and a "welcoming community" vibe. And on the surface? Yeah, the grounds are stunning—pristine trails, a well-maintained pool. The facilities are clean, the staff (mostly) polite, and the natural setting is genuinely relaxing. If you're just looking for a quiet spot to shed your clothes and unwind in nature, it checks those boxes.
But dig a little deeper, and Avatan reveals itself as something else entirely—a place that's quietly optimized for adult fun, with kids as an inconvenient footnote they have to tolerate to keep the "family" label. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the real energy was elsewhere. Evenings around the fire pits and at the "Squirrel's" (code for the bar area) had this unmistakable swinger-party undercurrent. Lots of lingering glances, couples disappearing into the woods or private cabins, and a vibe that felt more like a discreet resort for the lifestyle crowd than a spot for building sandcastles with the little ones. Our kids picked up on it fast—whispers about "grown-up games" and awkward questions we had to deflect. The camp "tolerates" families, sure, but it's obvious the core membership would prefer a child-free zone. Activities for kids are minimal: a basic playground and the occasional nature hike, while the adults get themed nights, "sensual yoga," and late-night mixers that go until dawn.
What really soured the experience was the toxic underbelly of the community itself. This place is a powder keg of power struggles, with a small cadre of long-time board members and "elders" locked in a perpetual cold war. Gossip flows like the creek itself—endless whispers about who's sleeping with whom, who's "stealing" prime cabin spots, or who's cozying up to the President for favors. We overheard more drama in one week than in a season of reality TV. Cliques form fast: the "party crew" vs. the "purists," the swingers vs. the swingers-who-pretend-they're-not. As newcomers (and parents, no less), we felt like outsiders crashing a private club. Smiles were surface-level; the second you stepped away, the backstabbing started.
And then there's the elephant in the (clothing-optional) room: the camp's ugly history with sexual predators. We didn't know it going in, but after a few days, the stories trickled out from sympathetic members—multiple incidents over the years involving members who turned out to be registered offenders or worse, preying on the vulnerable in this "trust-based" environment. The rules around anonymity are ironclad: no photos, no last names, "what happens at Avatan stays at Avatan." It's sold as protecting privacy in a nudist space, which sounds noble until you realize it shields the creeps. Anyone who dares speak up—whether it's a parent noticing a sketchy guy lingering too long near the kids' area or a survivor sharing a red flag—is immediately branded a "troublemaker," "paranoid," or "anti-community." We've heard of families getting shamed in group meetings, then quietly asked to leave for "disrupting the harmony." Evictions happen fast if you rock the boat, all in the name of keeping the peace and the paying members happy.
Look, we're no prudes. Nudism can be liberating, and we've been to other resorts where it felt truly inclusive and safe. But Avatan? It's a divided house built on denial. The adult-party atmosphere thrives because the kids are an afterthought, and the predator problem festers because calling it out gets you exiled. If you're a child-free couple into the full swinger scene, this might be your paradise—plenty of like-minded folks and zero judgment. But if you're a family hoping for that advertised "safe, empowering space"? Steer clear. Your kids deserve better than being tolerated in a place where silence is golden and the wrong questions get you blacklisted. We won't be back, and I hope this review saves someone else the regret.
Karla J. B.GuideMoose Lake State Park Campground
Classic Minnesota State Park
We went post-season camping with friends. The water and showers were shut off, and the agate center was closed. Despite being post-season, the vault toilets were clean and stocked with TP (though these did not have hand sanitize), and firewood was available for purchase using a QR code. Cell service was fine. We walked the trails and head them mostly to ourselves. We only saw one large RV and one tent that weekend. It snowed overnight, so we went into town for a hearty breakfast!
David R.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Quick overnight
Nice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy. It’s right off a busy road, so you’ll hear some traffic noise. The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that’s to be expected this time of year. Overall, a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it’s conveniently close to the cities.
Guide to Pine City
Camping sites near Pine City, Minnesota feature a mix of river access, state forest, and family-friendly options at elevations ranging from 900-1,100 feet above sea level. The area sits at the intersection of Minnesota's coniferous forest and hardwood regions, creating diverse plant and wildlife habitats. Cell service varies widely throughout camping locations, with most state forest sites having minimal to no connectivity.
What to do
Snowshoeing and skiing opportunities: Wild River State Park offers extensive winter recreation with groomed ski trails. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise. The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails," notes one visitor to Wild River State Park Campground.
Fire tower views: St. Croix State Park features a 100-foot fire tower you can climb for panoramic views. "The park itself has a lot to offer being right on the St. Croix River, plus there are hiking trails, a paved bike path, a fire tower you can climb, an old CCC camp area you can tour, and more," reports a camper at Old Logging Trail.
Historical exploration: Banning State Park provides self-guided tours through the remains of a 130+ year old sandstone quarry. "The hiking here is amazing! The Quarry Loop along the Kettle River has a ton of history, allowing you to explore the remains of the 130+ year old sandstone quarry. Seeing the drill holes in the cliffs was really cool," shares a visitor at Banning State Park Campground.
What campers like
Well-spaced, private sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature natural barriers between campsites. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative," notes a visitor at Wild River State Park Campground.
Farm animal interactions: Unique camping experiences include homestead stays with livestock. "We are excited to go back to the Farm! Wonderful atmosphere and if there are any hiccups the hosts are super reasonable and kind, great communication. All animals who were out and about were friendly," explains a visitor at The Jubilee Homestead.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local animals. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," reports a camper who stayed at Old Logging Trail within St. Croix State Park.
What you should know
Mosquito intensity: Insects can be particularly problematic during summer months, especially near water. "Unfortunately we chose the peak of mosquitos season and camping next to slow moving water is a recipe for disaster," cautions a visitor at Old Logging Trail.
Water access: The Snake River offers recreational opportunities but water levels fluctuate seasonally. "Beautiful site, wish the river was higher for fishing. Just a mile or so walk to the Saint Croix River," notes a visitor at Snake River County Park Campground.
Self-service campgrounds: Some locations have minimal staffing. "This is a pretty nice little self service first come first served campground on the edge of Chengwatana State Forest. Clean toilets and nice shady spots, most of which are quite private," explains a camper who stayed at Snake River County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Raspberry picking: Seasonal berry picking adds a fun activity for kids. "Beautiful site, wish the river was higher for fishing. Just a mile or so walk to the Saint Croix River. Camp grounds have restrooms, water (have to boil or purify it) Camp ground manager comes around and has firewood for sale. Raspberries everywhere!!" shares a visitor at Snake River County Park Campground.
Farm-to-table experiences: Some sites offer fresh produce and educational opportunities. "In the morning we were able to go and pick some berries, grapes, apples and an egg that was hatched and went down to the market they gathered and cut up some fresh tomatoes and had a great breakfast off the land itself," reports a family who visited The Jubilee Homestead.
Bring downloaded entertainment: Limited connectivity means planning ahead for entertainment. "Cell service is fairly spotty here so come with podcasts or shows downloaded ahead of time!" advises a visitor at Old Logging Trail in St. Croix State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site angles and accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging parking situations. "Back-in site was 90 degrees to the road - if the bathhouse parking lot wasn't across from it, wouldn't have been able to swing in on a 24' travel trailer," warns an RV camper at Grand Casino RV Resort.
Sewer connection design: Pay attention to the elevation of sewer connections. "All of the sewer connections are cut off about 12 inches above the ground. This means that even in a relatively tall fifth wheel, you are going to be trying to make shit filled water flow uphill," explains an RVer who stayed at Grand Casino RV Resort.
Combined recreation options: Some RV parks offer additional amenities beyond camping. "They have golf, a pool, lake nearby, and seasonal camping," mentions a visitor at Pokegama Lake RV Park, making it suitable for families wanting multiple activities without leaving the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pine City, MN?
What camping is available near Pine City, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pine City, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Pine City, MN and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pine City, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near Pine City, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pine City, MN is Wild River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pine City, MN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pine City, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Pine City, MN.
What parks are near Pine City, MN?
What parks are near Pine City, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Pine City, MN that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
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